Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Air Pollutants
Number of Conditions: 3
Ozone Toxicity
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants
Sub-category: Air Pollutants
Symptoms:
coughing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; throat irritation; wheezing; increased susceptibility to respiratory infections; worsening of asthma or copd symptoms
Root Cause:
Exposure to high levels of ozone damages lung tissues and triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway hyperresponsiveness.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of exposure to polluted air, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and ruling out other causes of respiratory distress.
Treatment:
Avoidance of exposure, supportive care with oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, corticosteroids for inflammation, and hospitalization in severe cases.
Medications:
Bronchodilators such as albuterol (a beta-2 agonist) to relieve airway constriction, and inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide to reduce inflammation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in urban areas with high pollution levels; ozone is a primary component of smog.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in industrial or urban areas, outdoor physical activity during high pollution times, preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms generally improve with reduced exposure and treatment; long-term exposure may lead to chronic respiratory diseases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reduced lung function, increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants
Sub-category: Air Pollutants
Symptoms:
coughing; wheezing; shortness of breath; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; worsening of asthma or copd symptoms
Root Cause:
NO2 exposure irritates the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced immune defense in the lungs.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on environmental history, pulmonary function tests, and imaging to assess lung damage.
Treatment:
Remove the patient from exposure, provide oxygen therapy, administer bronchodilators, and use corticosteroids in severe cases.
Medications:
Albuterol (beta-2 agonist) for bronchospasm, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for inflammation, and mucolytics like acetylcysteine to thin mucus.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects individuals in areas with heavy vehicle traffic or industrial emissions; prevalent in urban and industrial settings.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living near highways or industrial plants, preexisting respiratory conditions, and occupational exposure (e.g., industrial workers).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute symptoms typically resolve with removal from exposure, but chronic exposure increases the risk of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Development of asthma, COPD, decreased lung function, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5, PM10)
Specialty: Toxicology
Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants
Sub-category: Air Pollutants
Symptoms:
coughing; wheezing; shortness of breath; chest discomfort; fatigue; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; worsening of preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions
Root Cause:
Fine and ultrafine particles penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular strain.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Exposure history, pulmonary function tests, imaging for lung abnormalities, and biomarkers for systemic inflammation.
Treatment:
Avoidance of exposure, oxygen therapy, bronchodilators for airway constriction, and anti-inflammatory drugs for severe symptoms.
Medications:
Bronchodilators like salmeterol (long-acting beta-2 agonist) for sustained relief and corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone ) to manage inflammation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Highly prevalent in urban and industrial areas with significant air pollution; PM2.5 is a major health concern worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Urban living, proximity to industrial zones, smoking, preexisting health conditions, and occupational exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute symptoms can be managed with treatment, but long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic diseases and mortality.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, reduced lung function, and increased mortality risk from respiratory and cardiovascular events.